DHS Hurricane King 655

I have been trying blades with identical construction ever since I discovered this unbeatable composition of koto spruce ayous spruce koto. Among all of them, this one has the most dwell time. In contrast to the Stiga Offensive Wood NCT, which gives a crispier feeling, this blade also provides better strength at mid to far table compared to the OSP V King, making it a very good blade for Chinese penhold. The harder the ball is hit, the longer the dwell time, giving more control even on unbelievably powerful forehands. I hate to admit it, but this blade reminds me of how Wang Liqin played his game, with a relatively passive backhand and a massive forehand. This blade feels like it was born for this style. I don’t understand how it works.

This blade is perfect for those who are looking for a fast and powerful blade. It has a great feel and is very well-made. The only downside is that it is a bit heavy, but overall, it is a great blade.

Okay, I’ve played with quite a few blades, but this one has left a very good impression regarding performance. I have it paired with Hurricane 3 Neo on the forehand side and Yasaka MK V HPS on the backhand side. This blade has a decent amount of flex to it with good stiffness.

Because of this, I can loop fantastically and drive dangerously. The blade with Hurricane 3 Neo on the forehand produces a very high arc that looks beautiful. This blade loops better than Palio TCT and even better than DHS Hurricane Long 3. I can produce a lot of spin on both forehand and backhand. I can perform chops very efficiently when needed, and over-the-top play performs great. It performs great far from the table and mid-range. It’s better mid-range than it is far from the table. Great blade, highly recommend.

The allwood blade offers excellent control and boasts a visually striking appearance. However, weight variations exist between blades, and the one I tested weighed only 83 grams. This resulted in the need for excessive effort to attack effectively. Nonetheless, the blade’s feel and control were commendable despite its perceived lack of power.

I have played with some very high quality offensive-minded equipment over the years, including the 9th Wonder, Acoustic, Photino, and Amultart, but the HK 655 tops that list for friendly play, power, and touch. By friendly, I mean easy-to-use for those of us table tennis addicts whose names are not listed in the Top 100 in the US. FYI: the HK is not the blade for the newbie; try the W6 mentioned below, then move up when your coach says you are ready.

Note, I have rated the HK control as 8/10, which says it has tremendous control, given the amounts of power and speed it offers. Consider that I rate the wonderful (and inexpensive) Galaxy W6 as 9.5/10 because, as a looping blade, I have found none more flexible and user-friendly. (FWIW, the only reason I do not use that blade is because it lacks power at mid-distance.)

As for speed, I rate the HK as 9/10; the only blade I have hit with that rated a 10/10 was an old Gergely, which played like a sheet of granite, with laser speed, but zero control. Anyway, understand the HK is VERY fast and VERY powerful, but WILL slow down on command; in other words, it is not at all like that old 1-speed Gergely.

Truth is I have not worked much close to the table with it yet, because with this blade I cannot imagine spending much time there. This blade WANTS to play at mid-distance; because of the confidence it offers the looper, YOU want to play at mid-distance. That confidence comes from more touch and flex than I thought possible from a blade this quick. Perhaps it is the all-wood construction that makes me perceive the HK to be more flexible than others rate it, but that flex makes it possible to produce faster, more spinney, more powerful loop-drives than I have ever been able to do.

I also note that a couple reviewers around the forums questioned the smashing ability of this blade; perhaps because I just recently put away the long pips (again), I have no problem with flat hitting at all. In fact, I look forward to smashing because the HK speed is far greater than the fabulous Acoustic (my former #1) and nearly that of the Amultart.

I should note I play with light, very soft-sponge inverted rubbers (Boost TS, F3 Big Slam), which really helps the control; your mileage may vary if you load up the hard and heavy Tenergys.

Bottom line: with touch that belies its impressive power and speed, and with enough flex to pull that loop down to the back edge of the table, the HK is truly an amazing offensive-oriented blade. Borrow one from a friend to try, then start saving your nickels and dimes. Not sure I would give $239 for it (DHS site price), but there is one retailer out there offering the HK 655 for $140. That is a very good deal if it is the real thing.

Keep Swinging! NPR.

Simply the best blade I have ever played. I feel sorry for all the Butterfly players who never even think to try this blade. If you are too cheap to buy it, find a way to try it. Great control and power, close or far from the table. Smash or loop. I wouldn’t use it to chop, but in a pinch, it works great. The sweet spot extends through the bottom of the handle. Amazing blade.

One complaint is that the wood can come off when replacing sheets. Remove carefully and pull across the grain. Also, the metal work on the handle can come off. No big deal, just realize that it is normal.

THE BEST I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but its 9/10.